Illustrations Cicak / Freepik
JAKARTA, kilat.com- Lizard is one of the animals that can perform autotomy or sever its tail in order to avoid enemy. This defense mechanism can distract predators because the tail is still able to move after it is separated from the body.
Although many people already know about this, but some researcher there are still those who do not understand the mechanism. Especially the release of the tail that the lizard does very quickly.
To find out more about it, a researcher conducted a new study to be able to closely observe all the parts involved in tail release and create a physical model to replicate.
Collect Phys, Tuesday (24/5/2022) a study was conducted by pulling the lizard’s tail hard enough to make them release it. After that, the researchers cut off the torn edge of the tail end for examination using a microscope.
Researchers found that both ends were covered with mushroom-shaped micropillars. The tip of each micropillar is covered in nanopores that the researchers describe as acting like plugs that fit into a socket.
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So when the lizards let go of their tails, they find the plug pulled from the socket. Researchers then built a physical model of the tail to learn more about how all the parts of the tail work.
As a result, the researchers found, when pressed, the tail allows the tail to stick firmly. But when the lizard twists the tail in a certain way, parts like plugs and sockets are damaged and the tail comes off.
Collect IFL Science on Tuesday (24/5/2022), understanding the mechanism of this rapid release can be useful for human life in the future. For example, providing insight into skin grafts and wound healing, as well as for soft robotics and 3D bioprinting.
These findings were published in jurnal Science. (nda)
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